A man was today appearing in court charged with murder after a stabbing in a seaside resort.

Douglas Lyndsey, 43, died in hospital after he was allegedly knifed in the leg in Whitley Bay on Monday night.

Late last night, 22-year-old Peter Main, of the town's Beacon House, was charged with murder and was due to appear before North Tyneside Magistrates' Court this morning.

Police were called to Beacon House shortly after 10pm on Monday after reports of a disturbance.

Mr Lyndsey, of The Beeches, Cruddas Park, Newcastle, was found with stab wounds and taken to North Tyneside General Hospital, where he later died.

The results of a post mortem due to be carried out on the 43-year-old yesterday are not known.

Two men were originally arrested, but one has now been released without charge.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time to contact them.

A spokesman said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area between 9pm and 10.30pm.

"Anyone who can help should call us on (01661) 863 171."

The Chronicle reported last night about how people living near Beacon House woke up yesterday to find their street sealed off with a police cordon. Blue and white tape surrounded the 11-storey private block of flats as police continued their investigation.

One neighbour, Trish Richardson, 16, said: "We were up all night trying to find out what happened. Everyone is shocked.